Ba Ria - Vung Tau: A Week Connecting Culture and Economy

The Value of OCOP and the Importance of Traditional Craft Villages

The OCOP program (One Commune, One Product), initiated by the Vietnamese Government in 2018, aims to build brands and enhance the value of local products. To date, over 14,000 OCOP products nationwide have achieved a 3-star rating or higher, with BRVT contributing more than 160 products. These include iconic agricultural produce such as cashew nuts, pepper, and cocoa, as well as seafood-based processed products. These items not only bridge culture and economy but also embody the rich local identity.

Traditional craft villages like An Nhut rice noodle rolls, An Ngai rice paper, and Long Dien salt production have thrived for decades, exemplifying the fusion of tradition and innovation. The products are not merely utilitarian but symbolic, showcasing the skills and dedication of local artisans. Through the OCOP program, these craft villages have an opportunity to establish their brands in broader markets, thereby improving incomes and enhancing residents’ quality of life.

The integration of OCOP and craft villages is not just about economic development but also a strategy to preserve cultural heritage. Craft products and processed food from these villages are now manufactured to high standards, such as VietGAP and HACCP, enhancing their competitiveness in global markets.

Highlights of the OCOP 2024 Event

Taking place from December 27 to 29, 2024, in Vung Tau City, the event showcasing OCOP products and traditional crafts provides a platform for OCOP products from 31 provinces and cities to exhibit their unique potential and charm. With over 100 booths displaying a wide range of products, including agricultural goods, handicrafts, processed food, and items from traditional craft villages, the event creates a colorful shopping and networking space.

A distinctive feature of the event is the live demonstration of production processes. Visitors can witness the making of An Ngai rice paper or the intricate shell carving techniques of local artisans. This not only increases the event’s appeal but also helps customers better understand the value and effort behind each product.

Additionally, activities such as seminars, discussions, and trade partnership agreements provide an effective connection between businesses and producers. Discussions on strategies to promote and upgrade OCOP products have opened new opportunities for cooperation, helping localities maximize their potential. Particularly, the use of livestream platforms to promote products has garnered significant attention from online communities, greatly expanding outreach.

Towards Sustainable Development

The OCOP 2024 event is not merely a marketplace but a driving force for sustainable development in agriculture and traditional craft villages. OCOP products, produced under high-quality standards such as VietGAP and HACCP, not only meet domestic consumption demands but also target export markets. This showcases BRVT’s efforts to integrate internationally and enhance product value.

Furthermore, the event motivates craft villages to innovate technology while preserving traditional production values. This ensures that these crafts are not lost but increasingly affirm their role in the modern economy. Initiatives linking the state, scientists, businesses, and farmers help build a sustainable value chain from production to consumption.

Promoting OCOP product consumption brings economic benefits while preserving the cultural identity and customs of each region. This event also serves as an opportunity to convey the message “Vietnamese people prioritize Vietnamese goods,” fostering national pride and consumer awareness.

“The One Commune, One Product program is not just a strategy for economic development but a journey to affirm the cultural identity of localities. This event is a vivid testament to Ba Ria - Vung Tau’s efforts in preserving and developing traditional craft villages while opening doors for trade and promoting sustainable development. We hope this event will not only be a playground but also an inspiration for localities and businesses to continue innovating, creating, and strengthening connections in the future” - said Mr. Truong Huu Chien, Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Communications, BRVT.

The OCOP and traditional craft village showcase in BRVT 2024 is not merely a product exhibition but a distinctive cultural and economic milestone. It strongly affirms that traditional values can seamlessly blend with modern trends, becoming a vital driver for sustainable economic growth. This event opens a new direction for BRVT’s craft villages and OCOP products, promising significant progress in their journey towards integration and development.